Morag Myerscough's 'endless ribbon' brings light and colour to Coventry's high street

Entitled 'Endless Ribbon Connecting Us', it's a hugely cheerful installation that breathes new life into Coventry's Hertford Street, overhauling the thoroughfare's existing canopy and turning the space below into a riot of vibrant colour. The artwork wraps around the inside of the building in the form of a continuous ribbon with no clear beginning or end. It brings a warm glow to the area, even with gloomy skies above.

Weaved in local culture and history, it's inspired by Coventry Cathedral and its famous stained-glass window by John Piper and Patrick Reyntiens but also nods to ribbon weaving, Coventry's main industry from the early 1700s to the 1860s.

Based on her belief that "careful regeneration and renewal of public spaces can play an innovative role in nurturing a sense of collective wellbeing through the use of art and nature", Myerscough hopes the new permanent artwork will help locals feel the healing properties of light, colour and plants.

It's one of many of Myerscough's artworks throughout the pandemic that has focused on bringing people together by creating moments of unexpected joy, aiming to make public spaces which are "uplifting and show that we are feeling the same and that we are connected even though we are being kept apart".

She says of the work: "I experienced a desire for colour in the city and I wanted to get it in the streets. Plus the simplicity of light and colour is always so magical in every location. Community is at the heart of every project I do. We wanted to change perceptions of space by transforming the canopy walkway with fresh bold colour and an abundance of plants. Working with the food traders and surrounding shops, together we wanted to make a new destination for everyone that brings joy to an area that needed some love."

Morag Myerscough worked with Coventry City Council and Creative Giants to bring 'Endless Ribbon Connecting Us' to Coventry's streets. "Thanks to Morag, Hertford Street is now an inspiring reminder to be bold and brave," says Simon Vaughan from Creative Giants. "I remember when I first walked through Coventry city centre with her, listening as people commented on her colourful, rainbow dress. At this point, we both knew that Coventry was ready to take a step like this.